The National Election Committee launched today (Monday, September 28, 2015) the early voting phase of the Federal National Council Elections 2015 with voters turning out at nine dedicated centres on the first day of the exercise. Early voting is set to continue until September 30.

As part of its efforts to implement the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the elections, the National Election Committee activated the electronic voting system at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where members of the Committee cast their vote marking the beginning of the electoral process.

His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, said the NEC has provided all the facilities to ensure the active participation of voters in elections. The early voting mechanism is a part of these efforts and has been adopted for the first time in the Federal National Council Elections, he added.

HE Dr. Gargash said the activation of the electronic voting system was carried successfully in the presence of NEC members and a group of candidates for the elections. The remarkable commitment of the candidates and voters to the executive instructions has enabled the start of the early voting process as per plans in place, he said.

He explained that early voting will contribute to strengthening the electoral process and provide an opportunity for voters exercise their franchise efficiently. He noted that the early voting centres were set up to ensure that every voter gets to vote in the election at their convenience.

The nine early voting centres that have been adopted by the National Election Committee will continue to receive voters on Tuesday (September 29, 2015) from 10 am to 6 pm. Voters have been urged to bring their Emirates ID issued from the Emirates Identity Authority, which is considered the approved document for the voters to participate in the electoral process.